What starts out as choreographed chaos—meant as a compliment—sets the stage for a spectacular show with an extraordinary cast. Directed by Chris Abraham and choreographed by Ray Hogg, the production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 unfolds with actors entering from every angle, creating a wildly spirited performance with a lot of moving parts.
The 360-degree experience is funny, inventive, romantic and smartly written but the magic lies in the diverse choices for music and how musical director Ryan DeSouza, under the musical genius of Dave Malloy, seamlessly arranges the numbers one after another. The extraordinary music and lyrics by Dave Malloy transform the performance into a Broadway musical in a blender.
From electro beats to folk-rock, with hints of opera and a traditional Russian dance, the show presents a seemingly opposing collection of musical genres. An accordion, a flute, a clarinet, a piano, a handsome fellow on the cello and shaker eggs contribute to this eclectic musical playground.
This taste of Broadway is based on a segment of Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel War and Peace, the production not only captures the essence of the source material but elevates it with a dynamic mix of music, choreography, and inventive staging.
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Crow’s Theatre
On until February 4, 2024
TICKETS
Review by Raymond Helkio for The Reading Salon.
